The highlight of the Ox Ridge Charity Horse Show, the $35,000 Ox Ridge GrandPrix, features many of the nation?s top horses and riders including manyOlympic veterans. Two-time Olympian Leslie Howard of Westport, CT, isexpected to be in the line-up of participants. Howard, who won the 2000 OxRidge Grand Prix, recently tied for fourth place with 2001 Ox Ridge GrandPrix winner, McLain Ward of Brewster, NY, in the Show Jumping World CupFinal in Leipzig, Germany. In 2001, Ward rode his mount Xtatic to the winand placed 8th with another of his horses, Farrah, in the Ox Ridge GrandPrix.

Another notable rider expected to be on hand is Chris Kappler ofPittstown, NJ who started the 2002 season with five grand prix wins duringthe Cosequin Winter Equestrian Festival in Florida.

The Ox Ridge Charity Horse Show is one of the nation?s largest and mostprestigious competitions, drawing more than 1500 horses from around thecountry. Exhibitors compete over classically beautiful hunter courses andtechnically challenging jumper courses on the park-like facility at the OxRidge Hunt Club. The Country Boutique area offers a shopping event for theentire family. Shops include gifts for the home, clothing,paintings, jewelry, horse furnishings, and other unique items.